Ava Valianti represents something increasingly rare in contemporary music: genuine precocity without artifice. This Massachusetts artist, who is only fifteen years old, handles general themes with a level of emotional depth that is shocking. She shows that youth can bring out the best in complicated human experiences, rather than hiding them. "Distant," her sixth single, functions as a sonic archaeology of friendship's dissolution. The track excavates layers...

The Catchmen have officially resurfaced with their sweeping, cinematic pop single "England". Formed during the dizzying 1988 Madchester boom, they were the cult teenagers who once commanded Oasis as a support act before abruptly evaporating. Today, Ian Livingstone and Michael Knowles have returned, hauling the sprawling orchestral heft of their Ivor Novello and BAFTA nominations along with them. Anchored by original bassist Dave Fryman...